XiTech XR-90 Advanced OBD2 Code Reader

I also have an Equus Innova 3130 so I have something to compare with. This little code reader has 5 basic functions (checked this on an '06 Honda Odyssey):1. DTC menu2. Erase menu3. I/M menu4. VIN menu5. Rescan menuOn the DTC menu, you can only retrieve a trouble code. It includes the manual with all the code listings and a quick definition of each code.For the I/M menu, you can scroll through each self test as reported by the car's ECU and see if the test was run successfully. This is mainly useful to check your car's status just before you take it in for a smog test to see if your car's own computer thinks it's worthy of passing.For the VIN menu, it's just what it says; it retrieves the car's VIN number (if the car supports reporting it).Didn't try the Erase or Rescan, but they seem self-explanatory.You won't get other features like the Innova 3130 has, but then again, I had to pay over a $160 for the 3130. The 3130 additionally gives me such features as showing and storing live sensor data (and computer software to analyze the data with), readout of the trouble code's definition on screen (instead of looking it up in a book), freeze frame data, firmware updateability, and I believe transmission codes. I'm not sure about the transmission codes, but I saw 3130 feature list mention it. Actually, from what I have read, any OBD II handheld that can obtain live sensor data is called a code scanner versus those that only get the DTC which are called code readers.Given what I paid for this handy little code reader ($24), I don't expect all the bells and whistles, but quite frankly, just knowing the trouble code already is a good start in the troubleshooting process. I docked one star only because the quality and feel of this tool sort of feels like a toy, so I wouldn't want to drop it.The main reason I bought this was to keep a cheap code reader in my car (in case of emergency) and leave my expensive scanner at home for the real dirty work.Otherwise, it does what it claims, so no complaints.Update 2011-02-16:I just used the XR-90 to reset a DTC on a mini cooper over the weekend. It worked flawlessly.I just received my second code reader in the mail. This one is a Maxiscan MS300. I am convinced the MS300 and the XR-90 is the exact same product, just different colors. The menu has the same options and the user manuals look very similar. The only difference is the MS300 came with a CD.

After working on my wife's 84 Buick Century for a week trying to find a misfire the "old school" way, without the benefit of an OBD2 code reader, I should have learned my lesson. I didn't. Later, when my 97 Jeep's check engine light came on you would think I would have learned that lesson this time. I didn't, instead I ran back and forth several times to my very obliging but not all that near auto parts dealer who read it for me. Finally, when my wife's 01 Malibu's engine light beckoned I had learned my lesson and shortly thereafter, and after some research on the web, spent the best $23.99 ever on the XR-90. You can only track an animal through the forest after you have learned what it's print looks like, then it's a whole lot easier. This inexpensive, very easy to use tool does that for you. After reviewing the very well written and easy to follow instruction booklet I knew in less that 5 minutes the upstream oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The device does everything as advertised and the screen is extremely easy to read both because of it's size and how well it is backlit. It does not give you all the details of the code but you can find these on the web as I did. Less than $24. does not buy much in tools today but this little jewel is worth it's weight in gold.

Judging by the other reviews, I realized that this product has a less than perfect track record. I bought it because I needed to read an error code on my '96 Trans Am and I figured I was safe because of the video review showing it working on a '96 Corvette. Well, guess what? I hooked it up to the TA, following the directions and got the generic system error. I retried a few times with the same result. I then plugged it into my new 2011 Ford Explorer and the reader finished the scan and reported no error codes. So, the unit seemed to be working, just not on the car that actually had a flagged error code! I then wondered if my TA had an issue. I borrowed a reader from a coworker (different brand) and tried it on the TA and it correctly read the code as a bad Oxygen sensor. I then tried to re-read the code with the XR-90 and I still get the error. So, back in the box and back to Amazon who gave me a full refund. I REALLY love Amazon!So, the unit works but there are at least some cars out there that it will NOT work with. Order one up if you want to roll the dice. Amazon will back it up if it does not work on your car. It's cheap and well worth it if it works on your car.

I bought this little gadget because my check engine light was on, and I wanted to know whether it was something serious. I am not a car person, and don't have a lot of money to throw around. I plugged this into my 07 Prius, turned on the ignition, and it gave me the codes I needed, which I looked up in the manual. If you don't know anything about cars, the description in the manual isn't that helpful, but that's what the internet is for. Some versions of these readers give you all the information right on the screen, but I'm not sure what the point of paying $100 more is if you have a computer to just look it up at home. Save your cash, this simple one works just fine. It's small enough to be stored in your glove compartment, and the manual has easy to follow directions for use. It can erase codes to turn off the check engine light, as well as evaluate your I/M readiness status before an emissions inspection, so you know what to expect. (Just to be clear, this device only works on cars 1996 or newer, with very few exceptions, so if you have an older car, you probably need a manufacturer-specific device.)